The tumultuous start to the relationship between Antonio Brown and the Raiders has taken yet another twist.
To be fair, though, with the way things were trending, the report (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) that Oakland is expected to suspend their newly-acquired receiver isn’t all that surprising.
The Next Chapter: Antonio Brown and GM Mike Mayock got into it Wednesday, and the team is now planning to suspend its star wide receiver, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2019
Significantly less surprising than both the revelation that Brown’s feet were frostbitten and the bizarre fit he threw over having to find a new helmet. If nothing else, the 31-year-old receiver has taught us to expect the unexpected from him.
Brown and Raiders’ management, specifically general manager Mike Mayock, have exchanged jabs publicly the past few days. Specifically, the team fined Brown for his absence from practice during the helmet dispute. Brown posted the letter to his Instagram (and since deleted it), with a caption questioning his team’s loyalty to him. Apparently, those public jabs have led the Oakland brass to the conclusion Brown may need to be sat down for his actions.
More on #Raiders WR Antonio Brown and Mike Mayock yesterday: It did not get physical, sources say. But after a screaming match, Brown told Mayock that he would hit him in the face and then punted the ball… and said, Fine me for that. ???
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2019
The former Steeler has 837 catches over his nine-year career thus far. Those have been good for 11,207 yards and 74 receiving touchdowns.
Pittsburgh traded Brown, who dealt with team-issued punishments there before demanding out, to the Raiders for a third- and a fifth-round draft pick in last season’s draft. They used those picks on wide receiver Diontae Johnson and tight end Zach Gentry.
In head coach Jon Gruden’s return to the Raider sideline, the team finished 4-12 last season. In acquiring Brown, the team hoped to bring in some more offensive firepower. While that remains to be seen, they certainly have increased the drama surrounding the team.
